Friday, July 1, 2011

Statement from MSNBC:
Mark Halperin's comments this morning were completely inappropriate and unacceptable. We apologize to the President, The White House and all of our viewers. We strive for a high level of discourse and comments like these have no place on our air. Therefore, Mark will be suspended indefinitely from his role as an analyst.

Statement from Mark Halperin:
I completely agree with everything in MSNBC’s statement about my remark. I believe that the step they are taking in response is totally appropriate.

Again, I want to offer a heartfelt and profound apology to the President, to my MSNBC colleagues, and to the viewers. My remark was unacceptable, and I deeply regret it.

A few things to note:

(1) Mark Halperin's "indefinite" suspension begins the day before the Thursday before the long Fourth of July Weekend. I'll bet its over by Labor Day. Which means it's just a long summer vacation.

(2) Mark Halperin "completely" agrees his supension is "totally" appropriate. Sounds like a confession at one of Stalin's show trials.

(3) Mark Halperin is suspended from "his role as an analyst" which means what? He can still perform another role behind the scenes? And what is this "role" business? Does MSNBC just call central casting for another analyst?

(4) Mark Halperin apologizes to his MSNBC colleagues, MSNBC apologizes to The White House. Both apologize to the President and to viewers. Why does "The White House" get an apology?